The Tribune received this information from the Phoenix Zoo recently about free daytime admission for kids 12 and younger through Aug. 31:

For the first time in its history, the Phoenix Zoo is offering free daytime admission to kids 12 and under for an entire summer. Valley youngsters will be able to enjoy a summer full of wild water play at Yakulla Caverns and Leapin’ Lagoon, great experiences at Monkey Village and the Forest of Uco, plus all of the other wild fun at the Zoo - for free.

“We know that families are looking for fun and affordable things to do and we always want to be the best option,” said Executive Vice President Jim Brewer.” We have such a wide variety experiences to offer that we truly are the best entertainment value available for families. With kids being free this summer, that just makes the value even greater.”

Zoo guests can also enjoy earlier operating hours to take advantage of cooler morning temperatures. The Zoo is open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

The recent addition of Yakulla (yah-cool-yuh) Caverns to the Zoo’s water play offerings makes the Phoenix Zoo a great place to play it cool during the hot summer months. Celebrating its first official summer, this innovative play area features a large realistic cave with slides, stalagmites and stalactites, cave creatures, a special waterfall, and tons of room to splash around. Since its opening in September of 2008, it has quickly become a favorite spot for Zoo guests. Yakulla is an Incan word that means “water place.”

“It’s important for us to keep things as cool as possible for our guests during the summer,” Brewer said. “Opening a little earlier, turning on our misting systems throughout the Zoo, adding a great place like Yakulla - it all helps create a fun opportunity for families to get outside a little even while it’s hot.”

Yakulla Caverns will also be open during Starry Safari, the Zoo’s successful summer nighttime event that is expanding to include both Friday and Saturday nights this year. Starting June 5 through August 8, the Zoo will host Starry Safari every Friday and Saturday night from 6-9 p.m. Incorporating animal experiences like Money Village, the African Savanna and special animal encounters along with plenty of fun activities with water play, inflatables and other experiences, Starry Safari is an affordable night of cool fun for the whole family. Admission to Starry Safari is only $5 per person, $4 for Zoo members. Children 2 and under are free.

For more information about summer fun please visit www.phoenixzoo.org.

Tribune file photo